State Eyes Regs For Jetpack Water Rentals

OCEAN CITY — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has submitted a formal request to the Maryland Administrative Executive and Legislative Review to establish emergency regulations to cover jetpacks, a fairly new category of recreational vessel that has sprouted up in and around the resort area.

Often worn on the operator’s back, the devices use water jets to lift a rider as much as 30 feet above the water. While the operators provide extensive training to the renters before they ever hit the water, the thrill rides can pose a danger to both riders and bystanders. In certain instances, they can also cause environmental and property damage, and pose a disruption to other boaters. Thus far, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Hawaii and some west coast states have enacted laws regulating jetpack use and Maryland could soon follow suit.

Currently in Maryland, there are three businesses, all located in Ocean City, which rent a different version of jetpacks. The operators all agree jetpacks should be regulated and have the past year working with DNR to develop emergency regulations. DNR Boating Advisory Committee liaison Mike Grant

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